Torque amplifying magnetic drive

ABSTRACT

A magnetic drive can be configured to transfer torque from a reciprocating magnet to a flywheel having magnets in a contactless manner. The drive can include a reciprocating magnetic leg assembly which guides a magnet through a reciprocating path. The reciprocating path can be elliptical. The leg assembly can be mounted near the outer surface of a flywheel so as to, way of magnetic attraction forces, transfer torque from the leg assembly to a flywheel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Inventions

The present inventions relate to torque amplifying drive mechanisms,such as magnetic, torque amplifying drives.

Description of the Related Art

Some types of conventional torque amplifying drive mechanisms transfertorque from a power source to other devices for performing work throughmechanical engagement. For example, gear drives and belt drives can bedesigned to provide gear reductions which amplify input torque to ahigher output torque, at a lower rotational speed.

Other types of magnetic drives include an inner flywheel with permanentmagnets and an outer collar with permanent magnets. The flywheel andcollar are closely spaced and rotate together at the same rotationalspeed with no torque amplification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includesthe realization that a torque amplifying drive can be constructed with aflywheel driven by a reciprocating magnet mount, which reciprocates in apath adjacent to the flywheel, without any direct contact. Additionally,such a drive can be designed to provide an effective gear reductionbetween the reciprocation of the magnet mount and the rotation of theflywheel.

Thus, according to some embodiments, a torque amplifying magnetic drivecan compromise a frame and a least first and second magnetic leg memberssupported by the frame with the reciprocating connector mechanismconfigured to guide the first and second magnetic leg members through areciprocating movement, the first and second magnetic leg memberscomprising a first end. First and second leg magnets can be disposed atthe first end of the first and second magnetic leg members,respectively. A magnetic flywheel can be supported by a rotationalshaft. The magnetic flywheel can comprise an outer surface and at leastfirst and second flywheel magnets disposed of the outer surface. Thefirst and second flywheel magnets can be outlined and just opposed withthe first and second leg magnets, respectively, during rotation of themagnetic flywheel. The first flywheel magnet can have an oppositepolarity to a polarity of the first leg magnet, and the second flywheelmagnet can have an opposite polarity to a polarity of the second legmagnet. A drive mechanism can be configured to drive the first andsecond magnetic legs through a reciprocating movement. The first andsecond flywheel magnets can be spaced sufficiently close to the firstand second leg magnets, respectively, so as to rotate the magneticflywheel during reciprocation of the first and second magnetic legmembers, thereby transferring torque from the first and second magneticleg members to the magnetic flywheel.

In some embodiments, a torque amplifying magnetic drive comprises aframe, at least first and second magnetic leg members, supported by theframe with a reciprocating connector mechanism configured to guide thefirst and second magnetic leg members through a reciprocating movement,the first and second magnetic leg members comprising a first end,wherein the reciprocating connector mechanism guides the first andsecond magnetic leg members through a reciprocating movement comprisingan elliptical path, first and second leg magnets disposed at the firstend of the first and second magnetic leg members, respectively. Thefirst magnetic leg member comprises a pivot, pivotally mounted to apivot shaft and a telescoping portion configured to move betweenretracted and extended states, the first leg magnet being disposedcloser to the pivot portion when the telescoping portion is in theretracted state and the first leg magnet being disposed further from thepivot when the telescoping portion is in the extended state. A magneticflywheel supported by a rotational shaft, the magnetic flywheelcomprising an outer surface and at least a first plurality and a secondplurality of flywheel magnets disposed at the outer surface, the firstand second pluralities of flywheel magnets being aligned andsequentially juxtaposed with the first and second leg magnets,respectively, during rotation of the magnetic flywheel, the firstplurality of flywheel magnets having an opposite polarity to a polarityof the first leg magnet, the second plurality of flywheel magnets havingan opposite polarity to a polarity of the second leg magnet, wherein thefirst and second pluralities of flywheel magnets are disposed adjacentto one another, along an axial direction of the flywheel. A drivemechanism configured to drive the first and second magnetic legs throughthe reciprocating movement, wherein the reciprocating connectormechanism guides the first magnetic leg member through a first portionof the reciprocating movement and a second portion of the reciprocatingmovement, the first portion of the reciprocating movement comprises afirst position of the first magnetic leg member in which the first legmagnet is spaced from an outer surface of the magnetic flywheel at afirst spacing, a movement from the first position to a second positionat which the first leg magnet is at a minimum spacing from the outersurface of the magnetic flywheel and a third position in which the firstleg magnet is spaced from the first flywheel magnet at a third spacingfrom the outer surface of the magnetic flywheel, the first and thirdspacings being larger than the minimum spacing. The first and secondpluralities of flywheel magnets are sequentially spaced sufficientlyclose to the first and second leg magnets, respectively, such that themagnetic flywheel is rotated during reciprocation of the first andsecond magnetic leg members, which thereby transfer torque from thefirst and second magnetic leg members to the magnetic flywheel bymagnetic attraction and repulsion therebetween.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the telescopingportion comprises a first telescoping portion fixed to the pivot and asecond telescoping portion engaged with the drive mechanism so as tomove the second telescoping portion through the reciprocating movement.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the drivemechanism comprises a crankshaft supported by the frame, the crankshaftincluding a throw, the second telescoping portion engaged with the throwof the crankshaft.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the ellipticalpath comprises a major axis extending parallel to a tangent of the outersurface of the magnetic flywheel.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the ellipticalpath of the first leg magnet defines a pinch point gap between an outersurface of the first leg magnet and the outer surface of the magneticflywheel, the elliptical path comprising a major axis extendinggenerally parallel to a tangent of the outer surface of the magneticflywheel at the pinch point gap.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first legmagnet comprises a North Pole and a South Pole, wherein a secondary legmagnet is disposed at the first end of the first magnetic leg, thesecondary leg magnet comprises a North Pole and a South Pole, whereinthe South Pole of the first leg magnet is disposed at the outer surfaceof the first end and the North Pole of the first leg magnet is disposedinwardly from the outer surface of the first end, and wherein the NorthPole of the secondary magnet is disposed at the outer surface of thefirst end.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first legmagnet is larger than the secondary leg magnet.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first legmagnet is disposed in a leading position of the reciprocating movementand the secondary magnet is disposed in a trailing position relative tothe reciprocating motion

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first andsecond magnetic leg members move in a walking movement and therebytransfer torque to the flywheel through interaction of the first andsecond leg magnets and first and second flywheel magnets, respectively.

In some embodiments, a torque amplifying magnetic drive comprises aframe, at least first and second magnetic leg members, supported by theframe with a reciprocating connector mechanism configured to guide thefirst and second magnetic leg members through a reciprocating movement,the first and second magnetic leg members comprising a first end, firstand second leg magnets disposed at the first end of the first and secondmagnetic leg members, respectively, a magnetic flywheel supported by arotational shaft, the magnetic flywheel comprising an outer surface andat least first and second flywheel magnets disposed at the outersurface, the first and second flywheel magnets being aligned andjuxtaposed with the first and second leg magnets, respectively, duringrotation of the magnetic flywheel, the first flywheel magnet having anopposite polarity to a polarity of the first leg magnet, the secondflywheel magnet having an opposite polarity to a polarity of the secondleg magnet. A drive mechanism can be configured to drive the first andsecond magnetic legs through the reciprocating movement, wherein thefirst and second flywheel magnets are spaced sufficiently close to thefirst and second leg magnets, respectively, so as to rotate the magneticflywheel during reciprocation of the first and second magnetic legmembers, thereby transferring torque from the first and second magneticleg members to the magnetic flywheel.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, thereciprocating connector mechanism guides the first and second magneticleg members through an elliptical path.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the magneticflywheel comprises a first plurality of flywheel magnets alignedcircumferentially with the first flywheel magnet and a second pluralityof flywheel magnets aligned circumferentially with the second flywheelmagnet.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the firstmagnetic leg member comprises a pivot, pivotally mounted to a pivotshaft and a telescoping portion configured to move between retracted andextended states, in which the first leg magnet is disposed closer to thepivot portion when the telescoping portion is in the retracted state andthe first leg magnet is disposed further from the pivot when thetelescoping portion is in the extended state.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the telescopingportion comprises a first telescoping portion fixed to the pivot and asecond telescoping portion engaged with the drive mechanism so as tomove the second telescoping portion through the reciprocating movement.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first legmagnet comprises a North Pole and a South Pole, wherein a secondary legmagnet is disposed at the first end of the first magnetic leg, thesecondary leg magnet comprises a North Pole and a South Pole, whereinthe South Pole of the first leg magnet is disposed at the outer surfaceof the first end and the North Pole of the first leg magnet is disposedinwardly from the outer surface of the first end, wherein the North Poleof the secondary magnet is disposed at the outer surface of the firstend.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first legmagnet is larger than the secondary leg magnet.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, thereciprocating connector mechanism guides the first magnetic leg memberthrough a first portion of the reciprocating movement and a secondportion of the reciprocating movement, the first portion of thereciprocating movement comprises a first position of the first magneticleg member in which the first leg magnet is spaced from the firstflywheel magnetic at a first spacing, a movement from the first positionto a second position at which the first leg magnet is at a minimumspacing from the first flywheel magnet and a third position in which thefirst leg magnet is spaced from the first flywheel magnet at a thirdspacing, the first and third spacing being larger than the minimumspacing.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first andsecond magnetic leg members move in a walking movement and therebytransfer torque to the magnetic flywheel through interaction of thefirst and second leg magnets and the first and second flywheel magnets,respectively.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first andsecond portions of the reciprocal movement form an elliptical path.

In some embodiments, a torque amplifying magnetic drive comprises aframe, at least a first magnetic leg member supported by the frame witha pivot mechanism and an linear extension guide, the pivot mechanismconfigured to allow the first magnetic leg member to pivot about a pivotpoint fixed relative to the frame, the linear extension guide configuredto allow the first magnetic leg member to move between retracted andextended positions along a longitudinal direction of the magnetic legmember, a first leg magnet disposed at an end of the first magnetic legmember; wherein the first leg magnet is disposed closer to the pivotpoint when the first magnetic leg member is in the retracted state andwherein the first leg magnet is disposed further from the pivot pointwhen the first magnetic leg member is in the extended state, and amagnetic flywheel supported by a rotational shaft, the magnetic flywheelcomprising an outer surface and at least a first plurality of flywheelmagnets disposed at the outer surface. A drive mechanism is configuredto drive the first magnetic leg member through the a reciprocatingmovement comprising pivoting about the pivot point, extension, andretraction along the longitudinal direction of the magnetic leg member,wherein the first plurality of flywheel magnets are sequentially spacedsufficiently close to the first leg magnet during rotation of themagnetic flywheel such that torque is transferred from the firstmagnetic leg member to the magnetic flywheel and thereby the magneticflywheel is rotated during reciprocation of the first magnetic legmember.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first legmagnet has a first polarity at the lower end of the first magnetic legmember and the first plurality of flywheel magnets have a secondpolarity at the outer surface of the magnetic flywheel, the firstpolarity being opposite to the second polarity.

Some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein additionallycomprise a second magnetic leg member having a second leg magnet andmounted to the frame with a second pivot aligned with the first pivotpoint.

Some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein additionallycomprise a second plurality of flywheel magnets disposed at the outersurface.

In some variations of the embodiments disclosed herein, the secondplurality of flywheel magnets have a third polarity at the outer surfaceof the flywheel, the third polarity being opposite to the secondpolarity.

In some embodiments, a torque amplifying magnetic drive comprises aframe, at least a first magnetic leg member supported by the frame, afirst leg magnet disposed at an end of the first magnetic leg member, amagnetic flywheel supported by a rotational shaft, the magnetic flywheelcomprising an outer surface and at least a first plurality of flywheelmagnets disposed at the outer surface, and a drive mechanism configuredto drive the first magnetic leg member through the a reciprocatingmovement adjacent to the outer surface of the magnetic flywheel. Thefirst plurality of flywheel magnets are sequentially spaced sufficientlyclose to the first leg magnet during rotation of the magnetic flywheelsuch that torque is transferred from the first magnetic leg member tothe magnetic flywheel and thereby the magnetic flywheel is rotatedduring reciprocation of the first magnetic leg member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating relative movements ofcomponents of an embodiment of a magnetic drive.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an optional embodiment ofcomponents of the magnetic drive and illustrating relative movements ofcomponents thereof.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of crankshaft that can beused in conjunction with the magnetic drive.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating movements of and theinteraction of certain components of the magnetic drive, for producingan elliptical reciprocating movement.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the magnetic driveof FIGS. 1-4 including the magnetic flywheel assembly having twoadjacent flywheels and a pair of reciprocating magnetic leg members.

FIG. 6 is a further side elevational end partially exploded view of theembodiment FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a flywheel assembly of theembodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the flywheel assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a magnetic leg member.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the magnetic leg assembly, including twoof the magnetic leg members of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 includes side elevational and front elevational views of a partof a crankshaft of the magnetic leg member assembly.

FIG. 12A is a partial front elevational view of a magnetic leg memberinteracting with a magnetic flywheel, in a first position

FIG. 12B is a further view of the magnetic leg member and magneticflywheel, in a position in which the magnetic leg member is closest tothe flywheel defining a pinch point gap.

FIG. 12C is a further partial front elevational view illustrating afurther movement of the magnetic leg member and flywheel.

FIG. 12D is a further front elevational view of the magnetic leg memberin a position in which the magnetic leg is furthest from the flywheel,prior to returning to the position of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a partial front elevational view of a modified magnetic legmember and magnetic flywheel first position.

FIG. 13B is a further front elevational view of the magnetic leg memberof FIG. 13A in a second position in which the magnetic leg member isclosest to the flywheel defining a pinch point gap.

FIG. 13C is a further front elevational view of the magnetic leg memberof FIG. 13A in a third position.

FIG. 13D is a further front elevational view of the magnetic leg memberof FIG. 13A in a fourth position in which the magnetic leg member isfurthest from the flywheel.

FIG. 14 is a partial front elevational view of a further embodiment ofthe magnetic drive, including three sets of magnetic leg members, eachset including four leg members.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a partial front elevational view of a set of magnetic legmembers including five pairs of magnetic leg members.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of eight sets of the magnetic leg membersof FIG. 16, each being offset from one another by 45 degrees.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side elevational view of an embodiment of themagnetic drive having the eight sets of magnetic leg members of FIG. 17arranged axially and paired with eight magnetic flywheel assemblies.

FIG. 19 is a front elevational and partial sectional view of theembodiment of FIGS. 16 through 18 having eight sets of five pairs ofmagnetic leg members totaling 80 leg members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present disclosure includes descriptions of numerous inventionsassociated with magnetic drives. Which can be used for many differentapplications, including but without limitations, pumps, automobile orwatercraft propulsion systems, conveyer systems, solar power generation,power storage systems, and other uses.

The magnetic drives disclosed herein can be configured to amplify thetorque of the incoming power. For example, in some embodiments, amagnetic drive can be configured to provide, in a contactless manner,transfer of torque from a source to an output shaft. In someembodiments, the magnetic drive includes magnets disposed on a flywheeland magnets disposed on a reciprocating mount configured to transfertorque by way of magnetic interaction between the magnets. In someembodiments, the magnetic drive can provide a gear reduction which canprovide a torque amplification. Further, in some embodiments, a magneticdrive can provide a greater torque amplification than that provided byresulting gear reduction.

With reference to FIG. 1, a magnetic drive 100 can include a flywheel110 is mounted to a flywheel shaft 112 for rotation about a flywheelaxis 114. The flywheel 110 can include an outer surface 120 and at leastone flywheel magnet 130.

A reciprocating magnet assembly 140 can include at least one magnet 150mounted for reciprocal movement around a reciprocation path 160. Thereciprocation path 160 can be circular, oval, elliptical or othershapes. Additionally, the magnet 150 can rotate around the path 160 orcan be laterally and vertically translated (as viewed in FIG. 1) aroundthe reciprocal path 160. The polarity of the exposed surface of themagnet 150 is opposite to the polarity of the exposed surface of themagnet 130.

Thus, during operation, as the flywheel 110 rotates in the direction offlywheel rotation 116, the magnet 130 also rotates in the direction offlywheel rotation 160. As viewed in FIG. 1, the direction 116 isclockwise. Additionally, during operation, the magnet 150 moves aroundthe reciprocation path 160 in a counterclockwise direction.

In the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1 during operation, because theexposed surfaces of the magnets 130, 150 are of opposite polarity, themagnets 130, 150 attract each other. Thus, movement of the magnet 150around the reciprocation path 160, for example, in the counterclockwisedirection illustrated in FIG. 1, causes an attractive force on themagnet 130, thereby causing the magnet 130 and the flywheel 110 torotate the clockwise direction 160.

This movement forms the basis of the principal of operation of themagnetic drive 100. In the embodiments described above, the multiplemagnets on the flywheel 110 and continued reciprocal movement of thereciprocation mechanism 140 causes a continuous motion of the flywheel110. Additionally, some embodiments below include a plurality ofreciprocation mechanisms 140.

As such, mechanism 140 engages the flywheel 110 in a manner similar tothat of engagement of a set of meshed gears, although with a contactlesstransfer of torque from the mechanism 140 to the flywheel 110.

FIG. 2 is a further schematic illustration of the reciprocating drivemechanism 140. The mechanism 140 comprises of leg assembly 142. The legassembly 142 includes a first end 144 connected to a pivot 146 and alower end 148. The magnet 150 is secured to the lower end 148. The legassembly 142 also includes an extension mechanism 152 that guides theleg assembly 142 between retracted and extended states.

For example, when the magnet 150 is at the position identified as 150B,the extension mechanism 152 is at its most extended state. In thisstate, the lower surface of the magnet 150 is at its closest position tothe outer surface of the flywheel 120, and during operation, the outersurface of the magnet 130 is in the position 130B. In this position, themagnets 130, 150 define a pinch point gap, i.e., the closest spacingachieved during operation.

When the leg assembly 142 is in the position corresponding to magnetposition 150C, the extension mechanism 152 is in essentially the sameorientation as when the magnet is at position 150A. With continuedmovement around the reciprocal path 160, the leg assembly reaches aposition wherein the magnet is at position 150D. This is the position atwhich the magnet 150 is spaced furthest from the outer surface of theflywheel 120. With continued movement around the reciprocation path 160,the magnet returns to the position 150A.

The reciprocation mechanism 140 can also include a pivot mechanism 170.The pivot mechanism 170 can be configured to pivot the leg assembly 152back and forth between the angles associated with magnet positions 150A,150B, and 150C. Additionally, the pivot mechanism 170 can be configuredto also cause extension and retraction of the extension mechanism 152.For example with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pivot mechanism 170 caninclude a crankshaft 180 (FIG. 3) and a follower mechanism 172 (FIG. 4).

The crankshaft 180 can include mounting portions 182 at axial endsthereof; and crankshaft throws 184, 186. The crankshaft 180 can beconfigured for rotation about a crankshaft axis 188.

With reference to FIG. 4, the follower 172 can include at least oneaperture 174 configured to engage with a throw of the crankshaft 180,such as throw 184. Thus, rotation of the crankshaft 180 causes thefollower aperture 174 to rotate in the direction of the rotation of thecrankshaft 180. Additionally, movement of the follower aperture 174causes the extension mechanism 152 (FIG. 2) to move upward and downward,i.e., between its extended and retracted states. The combined motion ofpivoting left and right as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4 and the extension andretraction results in the elliptical shape of the reciprocation path160.

Thus, during operation, with reference to FIG. 2, the magnet 150 movesalong a portion of the path 160 that is substantially parallel to atangent of the outer surface 120 of the flywheel 110 and therebymagnetically engage with the magnet 130, particularly in the positions150B, 130B as well as around the positions.

FIGS. 5-12D illustrate a modification of the magnetic drive 100,including various further optional features and hardware.

With reference to FIG. 5, the magnetic drive 100A includes a frame 200configured to support the reciprocation mechanism 140. Optionally, theframe 200 can also be configured to support the flywheel assembly 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 5, theframe assembly 200 includes a lower frame assembly 201 including legs202, 204 and upright support plates 206, 208. The legs 202, 204 areconfigured to form support assemblies for supporting the magnetic drive100A on a flat surface. Other configurations for the legs 200, 204 canalso be used. The support plates 206, 208 extend upwardly from the lowerportion 201 to an upper portion 210.

The upper portion 210 of the frame assembly 200 includes upright supportportions 212, 214 configured to support the reciprocation mechanism 140in a fixed position relative to the flywheel shaft 112.

As noted above, the frame assembly 200 can be configured, optionally, tosupport the flywheel 110. In illustrated embodiment, the flywheel 110includes a first flywheel member 110A and a second flywheel member 110B,described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In theillustrated embodiment, the upright support plates 206, 208 includebearings 113 supporting the flywheel shaft 112. The flywheel shaft 112includes one or more keyways 115 at various locations along the lengthof the flywheel shaft 112 for providing a positive engagement betweenthe flywheel members 110A, 110B and further downstream components tosupport the transfer of torque, as is well known in the art.

The upward portion of the frame 210, with reference to FIG. 6, includesshaft mounts 220, 222 for supporting the crankshaft 180. As described ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 9-11, the crankshaft 180drives the magnetic leg assemblies 142A, 142B through reciprocatingmotions.

With reference to FIG. 5, the source S is in the form of an electricmotor. In the illustrated embodiment, the source S is mounted to theupright plate 206 with a motor mount assembly 230 and a reciprocatingmechanism drive 240. The motor mount 230, in the illustrated embodiment,includes a motor mounting plate 232 secured to a front face of theelectric motor and mounted to the upright plate 206 with a plurality ofmounting bolts, in an arrangement well known in the art.

The reciprocating drive 240 can include a belt drive and optionally, agear reduction achieved using a larger drive pulley mounted to thecrankshaft 180 in a smaller drive pulley mounted to the source S.However, any gear ratio can be used.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the flywheel assembly 110 can includetwo or more flywheels, and in the illustrated embodiment, includes firstand second flywheels 110A, 110B. With reference to FIG. 7, the flywheel110 is shown in front elevational view. The flywheel 110A includes a hub190, a web 192, a rim 194, and a plurality of magnet mount assemblies196 disposed around the periphery of the rim 194. The magnet mountassemblies 196 define the outer surface 120 of the flywheel 110A.

Each of the magnetic mount assemblies 196 comprises a mounting plate 197and a magnet bushing 198. In each of the bushings 198 a magnet 150 ismounted. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, two bolts191 are used to hold in each of the magnets 130.

The flywheel 110A includes a plurality of magnets 130, each of whichhave a north polarity facing outwardly around the outer surface 120. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the flywheel 110A includes 16 magnets 130,evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer surface 120.

The flywheel 110B, which his mounted adjacent to the flywheel 110Aincludes a plurality of magnets 131 mounted in essentially the same waywith the same hardware as the flywheel 110A, except that the magnets 131have a south polarity facing outward at the outer surface 120.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the magnets 130, 131 are offset fromeach other in a rotational direction. In the illustrated embodiment inwhich the flywheels 110A, 110B, each includes 16 magnets evenly spacedaround the circumference surface therefore, each of the magnets 130 arespaced from one another at 22.5 degrees and each of the magnets 131 arespaced from each other by approximately 22.5 degrees. With reference toFIG. 8, the magnets 130, 131 are also offset from one another byapproximately 11.25 degrees, or in other words, halfway between themagnets 130.

The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 18 can provide a further advantage.For example, because the magnets 130 and magnets 131 are arranged withtheir poles in opposite orientations, i.e., the magnets 130 have theirnorth polarity at the outer surface 120 and the magnets 131 have theirsouth polarity at the outer surface 120, the magnets 130, 131 cangenerate a net attractive force between the two flywheels 110A, 110B. Assuch, the flywheels 110A, 110B can abut one another directly, and/orwith a spacer, and thereby avoid imparting a compressive or tensile loadon the flywheel shaft 112. Other configurations an also be used.

With reference to FIGS. 9-10 the magnetic leg assembly 142A can beconfigured to pivot about the pivot assembly 144 and to follow themotion of the crankshaft throw 180, and thereby move through areciprocating, elliptical motion.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the magnetic leg member assembly142A can include a magnetic mount portion 148 which holds the magnet150A. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 150A includes a southpolarity at its lower surface, the surface which faces and is justopposed to the outer surface 120 of the flywheel 110 during operation.The north pole of the magnet 150A is disposed inwardly from the southpole, i.e., closer to the crankshaft throw 184. Optionally, the magneticmount 148 can include a bearing 175 disposed within the aperture 174(described above with reference to FIG. 4).

The upper portion of the magnetic leg assembly 142A includes the pivotassembly 146 which can be in the form of a bore hole configured toreceive a pivot pin (149 in FIG. 10). The magnetic leg assembly 142A caninclude a pivot bore 146 on opposite sides thereof. Optionally, the twobores 146 can be provided in a collar member 151, with one bore hole 146on each side of the assembly 142A.

The magnetic leg assembly 142A can also include a plurality of pivotpins 149 (FIG. 10) so that the magnetic leg assembly 142A can pivotclockwise and counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 9, about the pivot axisdefined by the pivot bores 146. The upper portion of the assembly 142Acan also include the extension mechanism 152. The extension mechanism152 can include a central member, for example, in the form of a rod 260fixed to the magnetic mount portion 148. The upper end of the rod 260can be received within a bore 262. The bore 262 and the rod 260 can besized such that the rod 260 can slide upwardly and downwardly (as viewedin FIG. 9) with the bore 262.

Optionally, the magnetic leg assembly 142A can include a biasing memberassembly 263 disposed within the bore 262. For example, in someembodiments, the assembly 142A can include a first magnet 264 mounted tothe rod 260 and a second magnet 266 mounted to the pivot assembly 144.The magnets 264, 266 can be arranged with opposite facing polarity so asto generate a repulsive force therebetween. In other embodiments, thebiasing member 263 can be in the form of a spring. Optionally, in someembodiments, the assembly 142A does not include any biasing member.Rather, the rod 260 is free to slide within the bore 262 in suchembodiments.

Further, in some embodiments, the assembly 142A can include a secondarymagnet 159 disposed adjacent to the magnet 150A. In some embodiments,the secondary magnet 159 can be arranged with opposite polarity, i.e.,with a north polarity at the outer surface of the assembly 142A andadjacent to the south polarity of the magnet 150A. In some embodiments,the secondary magnet 159 can be smaller than the magnet 150A. Theinteraction of these magnets and the magnets on the flywheel 110 aredescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 13A-13B.

During operation, as the crankshaft 180 rotates thereby causing thecrankshaft throw 184 to revolve around the pivot axis 188, the followeraperture 174 moves through a circular path, along with the crankshaftthrow 184. However, the because the assembly 142A is also mounted topivot about the pivot bore 146, the magnet 150A moves in an extensiondirection E, a retraction direction R and a clockwise Pivot P_(cw), anda counterclockwise pivoting direction P. The resulting motion iselliptical as described above with reference to FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 11, the crankshaft can be built up of severalcomponents. For example, the crankshaft throws 184, 186 can be formedwith sleeve portions 270, 272. The sleeves can include an offset bore274, offset from a central axis of the sleeves 270, 272, so as to createthe eccentric orientation for forming the throws 184, 186. Additionally,the crankshaft 180 can include throw collars 276 disposed at both endsof each of the sleeves 270, 272 so as to fix the axial location of thesleeves 270, 272, relative to a central shaft 278 extending through thebores 274 and each of the collars 276. Each of the collars can alsoinclude a set screw bore 279 for accommodating set screws for fixing thelocation of the collars 276 along the shaft 278.

Additionally, the shaft 278 can include one or more keyways forrotationally fixing the sleeves 270, 272 relative to the shaft 278.Assembled as such, the shaft 278 rotates about the crankshaft axis 188and the offset eccentric configuration of the sleeves 270, 272effectively form the throws 184, 186 and the up and down motion causingthe retraction of the assembly 142A and the Retraction direction and theextension of the assembly 142A and the Extension direction.

The magnetic leg assembly 142B can be essentially the same as themagnetic leg assembly 142A except that the magnet 150B mounted to thelower end of the assembly 142B has the opposite polarity. Additionally,because the throw 186 is offset from the throw 184 by 180 degrees, themovement of the magnetic leg member assembly 142B is 180 degrees at aphase with the movement of the assembly 142A.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12D, the magnetic leg assembly 142Ainteracts with the flywheel in order to transfer torque from theassembly 142A to the flywheel 110. For example with reference to FIG.12A, the leg assembly 142A is disposed in its leftward most position,with the magnet 150 in the position 150A described above with referenceto FIG. 2. In this position, the leg magnet 150 and the flywheel magnet130 are approaching each other during rotation of the flywheel 110 inthe clockwise direction 116. The magnets 150, 130 attract each otherbecause their juxtaposed surfaces have opposite magnetic polarity. Thus,as the magnetic leg assembly 142A is pivoted in the counterclockwisedirection about the pivot 144, the magnet 150 attracts and therebycauses the magnet 130 to follow it, thereby driving the flywheel 110 inthe direction 116. Eventually, the assembly 142A pivots sufficiently tomove the magnet 150 to the position 150B.

In the position 150B, the lower surface of the magnet 150 is the closestto the outer surface 120 of the flywheel 110, thereby defining the pinchpoint gap between the assembly 142A and the outer surface 120 of theflywheel 110. As the assembly 142A reaches the rightward most position(as viewed in FIG. 2) it changes direction and begins to pivot towardthe left of the figure and move through the upper portion of itselliptical movement, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. As themagnet 150 is in the position 150C at this point, and is moved away fromthe magnet 130, thereby reducing the effect of the attraction betweenthe magnets 150, 130.

With reference to FIG. 12, as the assembly 142A is pivoted further inthe leftward direction, it moves to its upper most position, as viewedin FIG. 2, with the magnet in the position 150D. In this position, themagnet 150D is spaced the further distance from the outer surface 120 ofthe flywheel 110. At this position, as the assembly 142A begins itsfurther pivoting towards the position 150A (FIG. 12A), the magnet 150becomes attracted to the next magnet 130 on the flywheel with themagnetic attraction thereby assisting the movement of the assembly 142Atoward the magnet 130, as well as rotation of the flywheel 116.

With the crankshaft configured as described above, more specificallywith the crankshaft throw 186 mounted 180 degrees out of phase with thecrankshaft throw 184, the magnetic leg assembly 142B moves such that themagnet 151 is at position corresponding to 150C when the magnet 150 isat position 150A. This out of phase movement helps provide a morecontinuous transfer of torque to the flywheel during operation.

With reference to FIGS. 13A-13D as noted above, the magnetic legassembly 142A can include an optional secondary magnet 159. The positionof the magnet 159 in the various positions illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13Dare identified as 159A, 159B, 159C, 159D similar to the positions 150A,150B, 150C, 150D of magnet 150 described above with reference to FIGS.12A-12D. The additional influences of the secondary magnet 159 aredescribed below.

As noted above, the magnet 150 can be larger than the secondary magnet159. Thus, with reference to FIG. 13A, as the assembly 142A pivots in acounterclockwise direction, the attraction between the magnet 150 andthe magnet 130 is larger than the repulsive force created by theinteraction of the secondary magnet 159 with the magnet 130. Thus, theattractive force between the magnets 150, 130 draw these magnets towardeach other and rotate the flywheel 110 in a direction 116 so as tofollow the movement of the assembly 142A. Additionally, in the positionof FIG. 13B, the larger magnet 150 creates an attractive force with theflywheel magnet 130 overcoming the repulsive force created by thesecondary magnet 159. However, in the position of FIG. 13C, therepulsive force generated by the secondary magnet 159 can help push theleg assembly 142A up and away from the flywheel 110, in the direction ofthe movement of the assembly 142A. Thus, the secondary magnet 159 canhelp assist the movement of the magnet 150 away from the magnet 130 andthus continue its movement toward the position illustrated in FIG. 13B.

With reference to FIGS. 14-15, a further modification of the magneticdrive 100 is illustrated therein and identified generally by thereference numeral 100B. In this modification, the drive 100B can includethree sets of reciprocating mechanisms 140, each separated from eachother by approximately 120 degrees around the flywheel axis 114.However, other numbers of reciprocating mechanisms 140 can also be used.

With reference to FIG. 15, each of the reciprocating mechanisms 140 caninclude four leg member assemblies. For example, the assemblies can betwo sets of he assemblies 142A, 142B described above with reference toFIGS. 9-11. Additionally, each one of the reciprocating mechanisms 140can include a single crankshaft 180 including four throws, and therebydriving all of the magnetic leg member assemblies 142A, 142B with asingle crankshaft.

With reference to FIGS. 16-19, another modification of the magneticdrive 100 can include a greater number of reciprocating assemblies 140and is generally identified by the reference numeral 100C.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, instead of the arrangement of threesets of reciprocating mechanisms 140, a portion of the drive 100C caninclude five reciprocating mechanisms 140. Each one of the mechanisms140 can include two or four magnetic leg member assemblies 142A, 142B,as described above with reference to FIG. 15. In the illustratedembodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, each of the reciprocating assemblies140 includes five magnetic leg member assemblies 142, and five magneticleg embers 142B arranged side by side. Further, the magnetic drive 100Cincludes eight sets of the reciprocating members illustrated in FIG. 16for a total of 80 magnetic leg member assemblies and eight flywheelassemblies, each flywheel assembly including two flywheels 110A, 110B,such as that described in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 17, each of the sets of five reciprocating mechanisms140 are offset by the other sets by 45 degrees. As shown in FIG. 19,when looking axially down the flywheel axis 114, the reciprocatingmechanisms 140 are offset from one another by nine degrees around theflywheel axis 114. Such an arrangement of reciprocating mechanisms 140around the eight flywheel assemblies can provide a further ability totransmit torque from the reciprocating mechanisms 140 to the flywheeland the flywheel shaft 112. Other configurations can also be used.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, theseembodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described withrespect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in thedisclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictiveunless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover suchalternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to aperson skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combinationof features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or anygeneralization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of theproblems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulatedduring prosecution of this application (or an application claimingpriority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular,with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claimsmay be combined with those of the independent claims and features fromrespective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate mannerand not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A torque amplifying magnetic drive comprising: aframe; at least first and second magnetic leg members, supported by theframe with a reciprocating connector mechanism configured to guide thefirst and second magnetic leg members through a reciprocating movement,the first and second magnetic leg members comprising a first end,wherein the reciprocating connector mechanism guides the first andsecond magnetic leg members through a reciprocating movement comprisingan elliptical path; first and second leg magnets disposed at the firstend of the first and second magnetic leg members, respectively; whereinthe first magnetic leg member comprises a pivot, pivotally mounted to apivot shaft and a telescoping portion configured to move betweenretracted and extended states, the first leg magnet being disposedcloser to the pivot portion when the telescoping portion is in theretracted state and the first leg magnet being disposed further from thepivot when the telescoping portion is in the extended state a magneticflywheel supported by a rotational shaft, the magnetic flywheelcomprising an outer surface and at least a first plurality and a secondplurality of flywheel magnets disposed at the outer surface, the firstand second pluralities of flywheel magnets being aligned andsequentially juxtaposed with the first and second leg magnets,respectively, during rotation of the magnetic flywheel, the firstplurality of flywheel magnets having an opposite polarity to a polarityof the first leg magnet, the second plurality of flywheel magnets havingan opposite polarity to a polarity of the second leg magnet, wherein thefirst and second pluralities of flywheel magnets are disposed adjacentto one another, along an axial direction of the flywheel; a drivemechanism configured to drive the first and second magnetic legs throughthe reciprocating movement; wherein the reciprocating connectormechanism guides the first magnetic leg member through a first portionof the reciprocating movement and a second portion of the reciprocatingmovement, the first portion of the reciprocating movement comprises afirst position of the first magnetic leg member in which the first legmagnet is spaced from an outer surface of the magnetic flywheel at afirst spacing, a movement from the first position to a second positionat which the first leg magnet is at a minimum spacing from the outersurface of the magnetic flywheel and a third position in which the firstleg magnet is spaced from the first flywheel magnet at a third spacingfrom the outer surface of the magnetic flywheel, the first and thirdspacings being larger than the minimum spacing; wherein the first andsecond pluralities of flywheel magnets are sequentially spacedsufficiently close to the first and second leg magnets, respectively,such that the magnetic flywheel is rotated during reciprocation of thefirst and second magnetic leg members, which thereby transfer torquefrom the first and second magnetic leg members to the magnetic flywheelby magnetic attraction and repulsion therebetween
 2. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 1, wherein the telescoping portion comprises a firsttelescoping portion fixed to the pivot and a second telescoping portionengaged with the drive mechanism so as to move the second telescopingportion through the reciprocating movement.
 3. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a crankshaftsupported by the frame, the crankshaft including a throw, the secondtelescoping portion engaged with the throw of the crankshaft.
 4. Themagnetic drive according to claim 1, wherein the elliptical pathcomprises a major axis extending parallel to a tangent of the outersurface of the magnetic flywheel.
 5. The magnetic drive according toclaim 1, wherein the elliptical path of the first leg magnet defines apinch point gap between an outer surface of the first leg magnet and theouter surface of the magnetic flywheel, the elliptical path comprising amajor axis extending generally parallel to a tangent of the outersurface of the magnetic flywheel at the pinch point gap.
 6. The magneticdrive according to claim 1, wherein the first leg magnet comprises aNorth Pole and a South Pole, wherein a secondary leg magnet is disposedat the first end of the first magnetic leg, the secondary leg magnetcomprises a North Pole and a South Pole, wherein the South Pole of thefirst leg magnet is disposed at the outer surface of the first end andthe North Pole of the first leg magnet is disposed inwardly from theouter surface of the first end, and wherein the North Pole of thesecondary magnet is disposed at the outer surface of the first end. 7.The magnetic drive according to claim 6, wherein the first leg magnet islarger than the secondary leg magnet.
 8. The magnetic drive according toclaim 7, wherein the first leg magnet is disposed in a leading positionof the reciprocating movement and the secondary magnet is disposed in atrailing position relative to the reciprocating motion.
 9. The magneticdrive according to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic legmembers move in a walking movement and thereby transfer torque to theflywheel through interaction of the first and second leg magnets andfirst and second flywheel magnets, respectively.
 10. A torque amplifyingmagnetic drive comprising: a frame; at least first and second magneticleg members, supported by the frame with a reciprocating connectormechanism configured to guide the first and second magnetic leg membersthrough a reciprocating movement, the first and second magnetic legmembers comprising a first end; first and second leg magnets disposed atthe first end of the first and second magnetic leg members,respectively; a magnetic flywheel supported by a rotational shaft, themagnetic flywheel comprising an outer surface and at least first andsecond flywheel magnets disposed at the outer surface, the first andsecond flywheel magnets being aligned and juxtaposed with the first andsecond leg magnets, respectively, during rotation of the magneticflywheel, the first flywheel magnet having an opposite polarity to apolarity of the first leg magnet, the second flywheel magnet having anopposite polarity to a polarity of the second leg magnet; a drivemechanism configured to drive the first and second magnetic legs throughthe reciprocating movement; wherein the first and second flywheelmagnets are spaced sufficiently close to the first and second legmagnets, respectively, so as to rotate the magnetic flywheel duringreciprocation of the first and second magnetic leg members, therebytransferring torque from the first and second magnetic leg members tothe magnetic flywheel.
 11. The magnetic drive of claim 10, wherein thereciprocating connector mechanism guides the first and second magneticleg members through an elliptical path.
 12. The magnetic drive accordingto claim 10, wherein the magnetic flywheel comprises a first pluralityof flywheel magnets aligned circumferentially with the first flywheelmagnet and a second plurality of flywheel magnets alignedcircumferentially with the second flywheel magnet.
 13. The magneticdrive according to claim 10, wherein the first magnetic leg membercomprises a pivot, pivotally mounted to a pivot shaft and a telescopingportion configured to move between retracted and extended states, inwhich the first leg magnet is disposed closer to the pivot portion whenthe telescoping portion is in the retracted state and the first legmagnet is disposed further from the pivot when the telescoping portionis in the extended state.
 14. The magnetic drive according to claim 13,wherein the telescoping portion comprises a first telescoping portionfixed to the pivot and a second telescoping portion engaged with thedrive mechanism so as to move the second telescoping portion through thereciprocating movement.
 15. The magnetic drive according to claim 10,wherein the first leg magnet comprises a North Pole and a South Pole,wherein a secondary leg magnet is disposed at the first end of the firstmagnetic leg, the secondary leg magnet comprises a North Pole and aSouth Pole, wherein the South Pole of the first leg magnet is disposedat the outer surface of the first end and the North Pole of the firstleg magnet is disposed inwardly from the outer surface of the first end,wherein the North Pole of the secondary magnet is disposed at the outersurface of the first end.
 16. The magnetic drive according to claim 15,wherein the first leg magnet is larger than the secondary leg magnet.17. The magnetic drive according to claim 10, wherein the reciprocatingconnector mechanism guides the first magnetic leg member through a firstportion of the reciprocating movement and a second portion of thereciprocating movement, the first portion of the reciprocating movementcomprises a first position of the first magnetic leg member in which thefirst leg magnet is spaced from the first flywheel magnetic at a firstspacing a movement from the first position to a second position at whichthe first leg magnet is at a minimum spacing from the first flywheelmagnet and a third position in which the first leg magnet is spaced fromthe first flywheel magnet at a third spacing, the first and thirdspacing being larger than the minimum spacing.
 18. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 10, wherein the first and second magnetic leg membersmove in a walking movement and thereby transfer torque to the magneticflywheel through interaction of the first and second leg magnets and thefirst and second flywheel magnets, respectively.
 19. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 17, wherein the first and second portions of thereciprocal movement form an elliptical path.
 20. A torque amplifyingmagnetic drive comprising: a frame; at least a first magnetic leg membersupported by the frame with a pivot mechanism and an linear extensionguide, the pivot mechanism configured to allow the first magnetic legmember to pivot about a pivot point fixed relative to the frame, thelinear extension guide configured to allow the first magnetic leg memberto move between retracted and extended positions along a longitudinaldirection of the magnetic leg member; a first leg magnet disposed at anend of the first magnetic leg member; wherein the first leg magnet isdisposed closer to the pivot point when the first magnetic leg member isin the retracted state and wherein the first leg magnet is disposedfurther from the pivot point when the first magnetic leg member is inthe extended state; a magnetic flywheel supported by a rotational shaft,the magnetic flywheel comprising an outer surface and at least a firstplurality of flywheel magnets disposed at the outer surface; a drivemechanism configured to drive the first magnetic leg member through thea reciprocating movement comprising pivoting about the pivot point,extension, and retraction along the longitudinal direction of themagnetic leg member; wherein the first plurality of flywheel magnets aresequentially spaced sufficiently close to the first leg magnet duringrotation of the magnetic flywheel such that torque is transferred fromthe first magnetic leg member to the magnetic flywheel and thereby themagnetic flywheel is rotated during reciprocation of the first magneticleg member.
 21. The magnetic drive according to claim 20, wherein thefirst leg magnet has a first polarity at the lower end of the firstmagnetic leg member and the first plurality of flywheel magnets have asecond polarity at the outer surface of the magnetic flywheel, the firstpolarity being opposite to the second polarity.
 22. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 20 additionally comprising a second magnetic legmember having a second leg magnet and mounted to the frame with a secondpivot aligned with the first pivot point.
 23. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 22 additionally comprising a second plurality offlywheel magnets disposed at the outer surface.
 24. The magnetic driveaccording to claim 23, wherein the second plurality of flywheel magnetshave a third polarity at the outer surface of the flywheel, the thirdpolarity being opposite to the second polarity.
 25. A torque amplifyingmagnetic drive comprising: a frame; at least a first magnetic leg membersupported by the frame; a first leg magnet disposed at an end of thefirst magnetic leg member; a magnetic flywheel supported by a rotationalshaft, the magnetic flywheel comprising an outer surface and at least afirst plurality of flywheel magnets disposed at the outer surface; adrive mechanism configured to drive the first magnetic leg memberthrough the a reciprocating movement adjacent to the outer surface ofthe magnetic flywheel; wherein the first plurality of flywheel magnetsare sequentially spaced sufficiently close to the first leg magnetduring rotation of the magnetic flywheel such that torque is transferredfrom the first magnetic leg member to the magnetic flywheel and therebythe magnetic flywheel is rotated during reciprocation of the firstmagnetic leg member.